Our friendly farmhouse

This story from Ferguson, making her picture book debut with a read inspired by her family life, suggests that HGTV-style escapism isn't just for adults. When Papa returns from a bike ride having spotted farmland up for auction "toward the misty Appalachian Mountains," he and Mama hesitate only briefly before going all in and securing the plot. A child narrates as a farmhouse is built with a storybook seamlessness, and the family welcomes chickens, pets, and even a new baby. The home becomes the kind of gathering place where "fireworks sparkled over garden parties, and cousin campouts were adorned with fireflies," while the great outdoors fuels the children's pretend play. Powers (Summer's Call) tucks florals into sunny, softly textured illustrations of domestic scenes, rendering the wide-eyed, pale-skinned family members with rosy cheeks and openhearted countenances. It's an idyll whose message narrowly transcends real estate fantasy, landing on an optimistic message: "And all this because my parents asked that one little-yet-big day, 'What if... ?' to an idea that was wonderful! Glorious! And a little bit scary." An author's note concludes. Ages 4--8. (July)

K-Gr 3--At the start of this heartwarming family tale, a father on a bicycle sees a sign for an auction of land in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains: "'What if?' he wondered." His son narrates the tale of a family that decides to follow their dream to create a life for themselves "away from the city and all its thrills." From auction to planning to the actual construction of the house and making it into a home, the tale unwinds as this loving family plans and works together to build a life in the country with their ideal home, including the animals and wildflowers at their "friendly farmhouse on the hill." Tender illustrations filled with whimsy and love effectively capture the construction process as well as the connectivity of the family. Although an idyllic and pastoral setting combined with a loving family make this story almost too good to be true, back matter, including photographs, confirms that the author and her family did indeed make this dream into their reality. VERDICT An uplifting tale of family doing hard work together to make the life they envision.--John Scott